Q. When a UST owner leases a store, if it the UST owner or leasee who is responsible for complying for the Operator Training requirements?

A. Actually both, the UST owner and facility operator. The definition of UST owner in the Louisiana UST regulations lists both the UST owner and UST operator as owner. LDEQ allows the UST owner and leasee to decide amongst themselves as a business decision who will comply with the regulations. As long as one complies, it is considered compliance by all.

Q. Can an owner designate a person to represent them as Class A or B Operator?

A. Yes. A UST owner may designate someone to operate as their Class A or B Operator.

Q. Does Louisiana allow reciprocity? Can someone take a course in another state and be recognized as a certified UST operator in Louisiana?

A. Not at this time. All Louisiana owners and operators must take the Louisiana-specific Operator Training Seminar for Class A and B Operators. Registration information is at www.PetroClassroom.com.

Q. Can a third party contractor serve as a Class A or B Operator for a facility? And if so, is there a limit to the number of facilities that person can be operator for?

A. Yes. A third party contractor can serve as either a Class A Operator, Class B Operator, or both, as the designation of the UST owner. There is not limit in Louisiana to the number of facilities that a person can be certified operator for.

Q. Can a third party provide training for Class A or B Operators in Louisiana?

A. No. All Class A and B Operators must complete the Department-sponsored training course. Registration information is at www.PetroClassroom.com.

Q. If someone takes the LDEQ Expedited Penalty Course, can that serve as the Class A or B Operator Training Course?

A. No. The LDEQ Expedited Penalty Course is geared for non-compliance training, and does not contain all of the information needed to meet the Energy Act Operator Training requirements.

Q. What is the deadline for taking the Class A and B Operator Training seminar?

A. All UST owners and Operators, or their designees, must take the seminar before August 8, 2012.

Q. After August 8, 2012, how long does a new Class A or B Operator have to take the training?

A. After August 8, 2012, new Class A or B Operators have to complete the training within 30 days of assuming Class A or B Operator responsibility.

Q. What is the deadline for training Class C Operators?

A. All Class C Operators must be trained by August 8, 2012.

Q. After August 8, 2012, how long does a new hire have to take the Class C training?

A. After August 8, 2012, someone has to be trained prior to beginning unsupervised responsibility for responding to emergencies at a UST facility (being a Class C Operator).

Q. Must all store clerks become Class C Operators?

A. There must be at least one Class C Operator on site at all times at a manned facility. It is best to train all clerks as Class C Operators, but it is not mandatory if there is someone else at the facility at all times that will respond.

Q. Who can train Class C Operators?

A. Anyone that the Class A or B Operator allows can train a Class C Operator. LDEQ UST regulations allows the Class A or B to decide on what type of training their C Operators will take.

Q. If performing the training in person, does it have to be the Class A or B or can they designate someone else, such as a store manager, to provide the Class C training?

A. The Class A or B Operator may designate someone else, such as a store manager, to train the Class C Operators.